Monday, October 27, 2008

Ironguide Journal WK-3

Oh my, what a week. After 3weeks I am feeling stronger in the pool. Not always faster as some days the arms are just killing me but I know I am stronger, at least that is my mantra whilst going up and down and up and down and up and down.
I added a few new additions into the mix this week. With the knee feeling a bit better I finally managed the turbo session. That was tough and the tricky bit is actually when I got off the bike, removed shoes and tried to not fall arse over tit in the pool of sweat I had left beneath George (this is my bike in case minds were starting to work overtime!). A turbo session is something many people dislike due to the boredom factor. Personally I have never really needed music to train to – although it can help, and I don’t necessarily need other people around me to motivate – yes I know I am anti social!
What works for me is the art of zoning out. What am I thinking when in this deep abyss you may wonder? Basically, I visualise. I see myself achieving the goals I have set. I talk to myself (not out loud of course - well not all the time). I don’t think about skipping a session or whether or not to have a break. To coin a very well used tag I - Just DO IT. If it’s not going to plan – I still try and do it.
Am I tired? Well it is only week 3. And considering a trip to Singapore, the addition of a turbo session, increased swimming volume and the long awaited start of my weight training again after a 3 week layoff – you could say this was the toughest week yet. My body aches but that I am rather ashamed to admit that is from falling on my bottom after a rather tipsy Saturday night. My neck also aches, hmmn, still trying to work that out.
But the legs are still working, arms just about and the mind is still very motivated. Just as well really because week 4 is full steam ahead. Quite how I will feel come Sunday I don’t know but having trust and faith in what instructions Ironguides are providing is a huge help. I don’t question anything because what do I know? The only decisions I make are when it is time for my body to rest. No one can make that decision for you and I believe that one is the most important of all. No guilt should be attached to resting. Rest is when you repair and regenerate. It is good for you. But try not to get it mixed up with lazy, cos those days can go on and on and before you know it you will be a couch potato eating potato chips watching food shows all day! Oh dear, was that me on Sunday? I will admit that it was, but since I left the couch for my run on Sunday night I reserve the right to call that hiccup a much needed REST.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

hi emma.. :)
can you please describe abit what you actually do in a turbo session??? do you just spin fast on a very high cadence??? and keep your heart rate over 80%???

also what are these turbo sessions for???

im just very curious :)

Emma said...

Top secret I'm afraid, hehe;)
Basically I Don't look at the heart rate I go on percieved effort.
The idea is to get my legs strong and for me this means pushing HIGH resistance, over a set period of time. Everyone has different requirments so I am afraid telling you exactly what my session involves may not help, it may even hinder your progress so I sugest if you want to give it a whirl have a chat with Daniel.

There are plenty of programs on file that Daniel has at TBB and whatever your target - high cadence, resistance, heart-rate etc he has a prgram to suit everyone I believe.

Emma said...

Top secret I'm afraid, hehe;)
Basically I Don't look at the heart rate I go on percieved effort.
The idea is to get my legs strong and for me this means pushing HIGH resistance, over a set period of time. Everyone has different requirments so I am afraid telling you exactly what my session involves may not help, it may even hinder your progress so I sugest if you want to give it a whirl have a chat with Daniel.

There are plenty of programs on file that Daniel has at TBB and whatever your target - high cadence, resistance, heart-rate etc he has a prgram to suit everyone I believe.